The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-13
Scenes at the Penitentiary.

COLUMBUS. o., Dec. 1.-THE first chapter in
the great Chicago wheat deal and the Fidelity
Bank wreck was concluded tonight in the ar
rival Of Edward L. Harper at the Ohio peniten-
tiary for a term of ten years. He came with
many OF the surroundings and as much of noto-
rlety as attaches to the arrival of a more than
ordinarily distinguished criminal. The stations
along the way between Columbus and Cincn-
natl were graced by interested crowds who made
their wants known the train stopped,
and they expressed a desire to see Harper.
In this. however, they not gratified.
the prisoner and his deputies occupied seats
in the smoking apartment of the chair car, and
with blinds drawn, reached the Columbus
depot without the annoyance of curious eyes.
Mr.. Harper welcomed to Columbus by an
audience of about two hundred, who had
gathered at the depot and crowded in to get the
first sight Of the great financier. These con-
sisted mainly of bank clerks and number of
ladies. The party proceeded at to tho
dining room of the depot, where Harper
hanked by his wife and her sister
on either side and the prisoner at once ordered
supper for each one of the party, not forgetting
the officers and newspaper men who had &C
companed him. While the supper was being
prepared the curiosity seeker had good chance
to satiate his desire to see the great wrecker.
Harper bore himself bravely under the circum-
stances, and showed air of business in all his
movements, while his wife and Miss Matthews
showed no signs of anguish.
After Harper and his relatives had enjoyed
their supper. the party entered the carriage and
proceeded to the prison, which is about half
mile distant. It was after 10 o'clock when they
reached the wardens Office, and there were
probably fifty persons present. many of whom
were reporters. Mrs. Harper her sister
and father accompanied Harper to the
prison. did also Mr.. D. P. Hyatt,
of CINCINNATI who looking after
their comfort. Harper, in his bearing. was the
embodiment of gentleman in his intercourse
with all who had business with him. On being
introduced, Warden Coffin inquiringly re-
marked to Harper that he supposed he had como
to stay awhile to which the latter replied in the
affirmative, and at the same time smiled over
hands Of the officials. The warden and Harper
soon retired q side Office. where
they talked over the provision which
would be made for him in the
way of work, regarding the prison rules, and
what liberties he would be allowed. The warden
learned from the prisoner that he was not very
much of a book-keeper, and suggested that he
might operate sewing machine in the State
shop, as he had understood he at time
engaged in the sewing machine business. Har-
per enjoyed a hearty laugh over the prospect
stated, however, that he was willing TO do any
work ct which he might be assigned
if it were the scrubbing Of floors, and that he
WAS ready to begin at once. Mrs Harper
| had brought along quite supply of blankets,
| sheets pillows and fine ware, but the warden
| stated that he would have TO be used the Same
~ other prisoners, and the goods were bundled